Chapter 8 Analysis
This chapter is essential to the climax of the novel as it is a flashback to a year before the incident. This is when Peter becomes more mature, and the bullying becomes more harsh. At the beginning of the chapter the audience gains insight of what the family life of the Houghton's was like a year before the shooting. Arguments occurred often during this time and Lacy becomes tired of the usual stress. This moment in the Houghton's family life symbolizes what Lacy endured on a day to day basis.
Flashbacks are incorporated in novels to provide additional information to the reader. Without this chapter, we wouldn't have gained any knowledge of Josie's father. As Alex cannot seem to handle her daughter's situations right, Logan Rourke, Josie's father isn't around to assist his family. He had walked out before Josie was even born. This is a prime example of society today. Many families are separated or fail to even begin due to a variety of reasons. Logan's claimed reasoning was because he already had a family.
Ironically, Peter and Josie begin work at the same company. This event brings the main characters together so they can solve conflicts or create more, which will capture the audiences attention through suspense.
Matt pays Josie a visit while Peter is also working. One of the antagonists in the novel creates conflict in his presence at the QuickCopy. Matt again, torments Peter while Josie witnesses the drama, but does not interfere.
This motif of Josie's lack of respect reoccurs throughout majority of the novel, adding to the conflict.
When Peter is found at the gay night club, the audience wonders about his sexuality. Never does the narrator truly inform the audience that Peter is straight. This again, creates suspense and leaves the audience questioning. His sexuality may have only added to the bullying at Sterling High. This is a concept the audience will never know.
Josie and Peter become suspended in an elevator, another place where the two can sort out their problems or create more. During this time Josie and Peter are reminded of how enjoyable each other's presence is.
Peter returns home to a shock, the death of his brother. The audience expects the character to be mourning, but instead Peter is relieved. This twist takes the audience by surprise and changes much of what we expect to happen.